DHS STEM Designated Degree Programs List 2008
The DHS STEM Designated Degree Programs List has been updated twice since the 2008 list appeared: on May 12, 2011 and on May 11, 2012. Please refer to the 2012 DHS STEM Designated Degree Programs List for current information. This 2008 version of the STEM Designated Degree Programs List is being maintained for research and archival purposes.
The 2008 List
SEVP published a full list of Classification of Instructional Programs codes published by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES CIP codes) that have been designated by ICE as science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) degrees for the purpose of approving a 17-month STEM extension of optional practical training (OPT) under the provisions of 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii)(C).
In order for F-1 students to qualify for this 17-month extension, the code for the student's degree program must be on this list. Other requirements are found in the regulatory language.
Note: CIP Codes ending in 99 are excluded from this list, according to the supplementary information preceding the interim final rule. DHS described codes ending in 99 as "catch-all" categories usually designated by "Other" in the CIP lists. Degrees associated with CIP codes ending in 99 would not be eligible for the 17-month extension according to that DHS statement.
SEVP's CIP Code list states that "To suggest a change to the list of STEM designated degrees, write to sevis.source@dhs.gov, with STEM Code Change Request in the subject line. Please include your name, phone number, organizational affiliation, the code(s) you would like to see added and the rationale for the addition. Change requests will be reviewed by ICE in conjunction with the Department of Education and other advisors."
The list posted by SEVP is sorted by both code number and alphabetically by field. The version of the list prepared by NAFSA, below, includes the full NCEP description of the field.
September 25, 2008.
NAFSA note: The first STEM Designated Program List posted on the DHS Web site inadvertently omitted code 14.2501, Petroleum Engineering. SEVP corrected this omission in its latest posting of the list, which now properly lists code 14.2501. The next SEVP list omitted code 14.0701, Chemical Engineering, which was also an error that NAFSA brought to the attention of SEVP. On September 25, 2008, the DHS STEM list was corrected, and now includes code 14.0701, Chemical Engineering. SEVP also communicated to SEVIS users, on steps that can be taken if an application for STEM OPT extensions was denied by USCIS due to the inadvertent omission of Chemical Engineering (code 14.0701) from the DHS STEM Program List.
